YOUNG entrepreneurs swapped their pens for the production line for a taste of the world of business.

Budding Bransons from Preston and South Ribble schools were presented with awards for creating a string of successful small companies.

As part of the Young Enterprise scheme they were involved in building a firm from making a chosen product right through to marketing and selling it.

In the Preston heats Our Lady's RC High School, Fulwood, scooped five honours - with four awards, including best company overall, going to Year 11 team Victorian Line.

They made over £600 making and selling Victorian style carousel and acrobat toys which were the brainchild of Production Manager Michael Watson.

Sixteen-year-old Michael, who wants to be a policeman, said: "We've all really enjoyed doing it. It sets us up for the future.

"We've been really successful, but there were times when we all had to muck in. Everybody had their place no matter what job they were doing."

Another Our Lady's team Signing Off - Year 10 students who personalised plaques, door signs and diaries - won the runners up award at the presentations on April 23.

The South Ribble winners came from Lostock Hall High School - the bright sparks set up a business called Bushack making candle stick holders.

Headmaster David Lowe said: "They did well to win but it was the experiences like teamwork, being organised and communication that were important."

As part of the young enterprise scheme pupils had to run their business over a year period.

They were marked on all aspects from overall efficiency, displays at a trade fair in Preston town centre in February, and company presentations at the award evenings. To help them along the way the young business boys and girls received help from specially appointed link teachers and advisors including representatives from British Aerospace, Barclays and Baxi paid them visits.

All three teams now go through to the Lancashire West regional finals at the University of Central Lancashire on May 23.

For more information call Harry Jones on (01772) 792476.

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